President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressed concerns over rising rice prices at an election rally in Moneragala today (4), announcing that the government will pursue legal action against rice millers who do not comply with controlled pricing
Highlighting the previous government's failure to procure paddy, he noted, “We currently have no means to control rice prices because there were no purchases of paddy.”
He emphasized that the government is left with two options: releasing government-held paddy stocks or enacting legal measures, stating that they must now rely on the latter.
Looking ahead, President Dissanayake assured the public that steps are being taken to avoid future price hikes. He confirmed that plans are in place for the government to purchase paddy during the upcoming Maha season, with the Paddy Marketing Board and the Food Commissioner's Department tasked with refurbishing storage facilities.
'Our strategy includes supplying the paddy acquired by the government to small-scale rice millers, who will then process the rice for distribution through cooperative stores,” he explained.
The President’s comments reflect a commitment to stabilize the rice market and ensure fair prices for consumers.
